Ok so I've got great car,,,,except that it has now decided to not start. By not start I mean turning the key and nothing happens. All the lights come on and the battery is new, but the ignition switch simply does not engage the starter in any way. Help?

Try starting in Neutral. The neutral safety switches on these cars is known to go bad.

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Current stable:
1995 E320 149K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 120K (SLoL)

Black Sheep:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

Going to sound weird, but jiggle all of the fuses in the fuse box, and examine them closely. Had something similar happen to me....engine just quit while driving - jiggled fuses, and voila - started and ran like nothing happened.

If they check out ok (do examine closely), then see if you can hear the fuel pump build up its initial pressure when you first turn the key...keep the door open, or have someone in back of car listen for it.

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It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D

thayerulrich, did the engine start fine before you installed the new battery? Additional background information would make it easier to diagnose your problem.

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Fred Hoelzle

It must've started...he hasn't logged in since the day he posted his question.

__________________
It is a truism that almost any sect, cult, or religion will legislate its creed into law if it acquires the political power to do so. Robert A. Heinlein


09 Jetta TDI
1985 300D